Life, Liberty, & the National Football League

NFLPA Appeals Ray Rice Suspension

The NFL Players Association formally placed an appeal on Tuesday night of Ray Rice’s indefinite suspension from the league based on numerous factors – including the assertion that the commissioner’s office knew Rice struck his wife.

Normally, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presides over the appeal process but in this situation he is deemed as one of the principles that put Rice in his current football predicament.

“The NFLPA appeal is based on supporting facts that reveal a lack of a fair and impartial process, including the role of the office of the Commissioner of the NFL. We have asked that a neutral and jointly selected arbitrator hear this case as the Commissioner and his staff will be essential witnesses in the proceeding and thus cannot serve as impartial arbitrators.”

Originally, Goodell suspended Rice for two games until the infamous Atlantic City video went public. At that point, Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely and claimed Rice was ambiguous in regards to his description of the night’s events that led to Rice striking his current wife, Janay.

The league has entered rarefied air this offseason with a slew of problems and negative press. Whatever the resolution is here, everyone remains a loser.